The New Orleans Saints head into the offseason with a clear mission: build around quarterback Tyler Shough. The 2025 second-round pick did more than just flash potential-he looked the part of a long-term starter. Now, it’s on the Saints’ front office to surround him with the kind of offensive firepower that can help him take the next step.
One name already drawing serious buzz in that conversation? Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. In his first mock draft, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah has the Saints selecting Love with the No. 8 overall pick-and it’s a move that could reshape the offense in a big way.
Love isn’t just the top back in this year’s draft class-he’s one of the most dynamic players available, period. He brings a rare blend of speed, vision, and versatility that makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Whether it’s breaking off chunk plays on the ground, slipping out of the backfield as a receiver, or standing tall in pass protection, Love checks every box you want in a modern three-down back.
And that’s exactly the kind of player who could help unlock Shough’s full potential.
The Saints’ current backfield situation makes this even more relevant. Alvin Kamara, the longtime engine of New Orleans’ offense, will be 31 next season and is coming off a year marred by injuries and inconsistency.
He’s still a respected veteran presence, but his best days may be behind him. Devin Neal, a sixth-round pick, showed some flashes in limited action, but not enough to confidently hand him the keys to the backfield.
Enter Love, who could immediately step in and shoulder a significant load. His ability to create explosive plays-both as a runner and as a receiver-would take pressure off Shough and force defenses to stay honest. That kind of balance is crucial for a young quarterback still finding his footing in the league.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: taking a running back in the top 10 has become something of a taboo in recent years. The position has been devalued in today’s pass-heavy NFL, and teams are often hesitant to spend premium draft capital on a back.
But Love isn’t your average prospect. He’s a game-changer with the skillset to justify the investment.
For a team like the Saints, who are trying to build a sustainable offense around a developing quarterback, this pick makes a lot of sense. Love wouldn’t just be a weapon-he’d be a foundational piece.
If New Orleans wants to give Shough the best shot at success in 2026 and beyond, adding an elite playmaker like Jeremiyah Love might be the smartest move they can make.